Hi all, more of a long time lurker here, finally looking for a F150.
Is the power tailgate worth the $$? I'd mainly be using the back for hauling bicycles etc......the truck will really be a family hauler, no towing.
Am I missing anything, is it difficult to lower and raise the tailgate by hand?? My current Honda Pilot has power rear door, and while I occasionally hit the button for it just cause its there, it is pretty useless, I don't need it.
If you -don't- have the power tailgate, does it just free fall open, or are there hydraulic struts that slow it down?

Thanks!!

 

The power tailgate is worth it if you want the tailgate step. Other than that it's just a gimmick.

 

The power tailgate feature allows you to open the tailgate with fob, and it falls open very gently.

I use it a lot more than I ever thought I would.

As far as it being a gimmick...you could say that about most modern features of these trucks.
Its all in how the owner uses the vehicle.

 

The power tailgate allows the tailgate to go back up on its own, the power release with the easy open shock is all you need for it to open gently.

I personally am glad I got the power tailgate, I didn't care much when I ordered the truck, but have had a few instances since where my hands were full and i was able to use my knee to slightly lift the tailgate and it closed on its own.

Not a critical option, my last two F-150s didn't have it and I survived, but it is handy.

 

I didn't think I would use it much but I find it very handy. Necessary? Of course not, but as others have pointed out we went past need a long time ago.

Use example - I often hit the button to lower the tailgate when stepping out of the truck if I plan to access something in the back. Take a few steps and the tailgate is down.

Another use - approaching the truck with lumber or whatever that will be loaded, hold the button on the remote and the tailgate is down when you get there.

Again, it's definitely not needed but nice to have.

 

My truck was a lot truck and it already had it. I did however want the step and would not have purchased the truck without the step. I have had plenty of trucks without the step and I will always have one from now on.
Of course the power lift isn’t necessary but I love it and use it all the time. It is a simple convenience. I also have push button start and I am now totally spoiled by just walking up to a locked truck, pulling open the door and pushing the button when I get in. Never pulling the key fob put of my pocket. Seriously I don’t need that but I have grown accustomed to the convenience and now wouldn’t want one without it.

 

As mentioned, if you want the step, then you have to get the power tailgate. I don't need the tailgate to go back up on its own, but I really like the step, so Ford kind of forces your hand there.

 

My truck hauls a mountain bike more than anything. I'm in a 2016 with the easy open option.
Truth be told, I'd rather have the regular ole gate that you open and hold it while it opens. I've gotten used to the delay (not that it is a complainint).
At home I try remembering to lower the gate early while I gather gear or something. Otherwise I'm standing there with my bike looking like a fool in a suit waiting for the tailgate to lower so I don't get tired muscles or get my hands dirty. haha Okay, so that was well over-exaggerated of course.
I've gotten used to rolling up to the truck and pressing the button while riding, making a loop behind the truck while the gate lowers so I can then lean the bars against he lowered gate.

I like the concept. I appreciate that my truck is equipped with it but for me, it does not have a benefit that I can think of. If I had a family and had others operate the gate, the soft open or power gate would be helpful. The tailgate in my 1993 weighted a ton, todays do not. And they even use a motor to open/close the featherweight gate.
I had somebody once tell me how heavy my tailgate is (can't recall which truck it was but it wasn't the 93). I chuckled under my breath when comparing it to my 1993 weight.

If a dealership was going to charge a premium for a truck with power gate vs one that is not powered I'd probably want the non powered. Resale value will likely be a selling point 5 years from now when the new owner will be used to having things done for them, they may not want to by your antiquated truck with a manual gate.

I think the power gate will allow a soft open (or is it always motorized?) and it can be closed manually. With that, I'd probably buy it knowing I can still mostly control the gate and retain resale value. I haven't seen the price of the power gate, I'd guess it's near $1000? I like think I'm still a person that wouldn't pay that much for a power gate but I'd buy a truck with it if the truck is what I wanted and it happened to come with the gate.

I've used the tailgate step about 3 times in 1.5 years. I am still capable of jumping in and out of the bed. I use it for loading my dirt bike only, ramp to the side then climb up with the step. It's better than stepping up on a 5-gallon bucket! I just don't dirt bike ride often anymore.

 

FWIW:
The tailgate is aluminum and extremely lightweight compared to a steel one. I don't have a problem using it manually as I'm used to steel gates.
I do have the remote 'gate open', but have yet to use it in the few months that I've had the truck
YMMV

 

No paragraph needed. Yep! Just as much as power windows.